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Kafka, Eliot, Crane &
CamusThe Age of Realism & Existentialism in
American Literature
Realism
A form of literary writing that surfaced in North America during the early
nineteenth century. Realism is a literary movement that primarily involves
realistic ideals in literature. It surfaced in literature when author Friedrich
Schiller, a frenchman, first used the term to describe literature that “attempts to
describe life without the idealization and romantic subjectivity” but simply life as
it is. The poems, short stories, and novels written in a manner that could be
considered real. A very famous writer of realist fiction is Stephen Crane.
Realism (cont.)
Some of the most common characteristics of realism are:
● faithful representation of life
● concentrating on middle-class life and preoccupations
● scenes of humble life
● criticism of social conditions
● characters are in center of interest as opposed to a plot
● subjects portrayed with simplicity and respect but little elaboration
● honest, matter-of-fact style
● Objects or figures are represented impartially and objectively (Realism,
2008)
First came into the literary framework
by Venezuelan writer Arturo Uslar-
Pietri. Magic realism is characterised
as being marked by its “inventive
content, vivid effects, amazing mystery
and combining fantastic elements with
realistic details” (Adams, 2011). Magic
realism has always been a serious form
of literary writing despite its use of
fantasy, and it has made a great impact
on literature. Franz Kafka is one of the
great writer’s who has explored with
this type of writing.
Magic Realism
Existentialism
“I think therefore I am.” ~ Rene Descartes
Existential fiction was first introduced into literature by a Russian novelist,
Fyodor Dostoevsky. Dostoevsky lived his life just as he believed -- that there is
a “profound psychological penetration that permeates into the human soul”
(Toutonghi, 2010). He felt that man faces “rationalism versus irrationalism; the
struggle between love and hatred, faith and unfaith; the danger’s represented
by socialism and the attempt to engineer human happiness; the power of
sensuality; the reality and unreality of God; and the conflict between
generations” (Eiermann, 2011). Existentialism is a thought of being more than
what see with our naked eye. Existential philosophers and writers believe that
man centers his existence around finding one’s own purpose in life, to grow.
They believe that there is more to life than simply existing. And even more so
than finding higher purpose in life, but a higher purpose in growing and living
and thriving within that purpose. Existential fiction focuses on this concept.
While there is no exact definition of existentialism, it is important to know how it
began and the ideals that surround it in order to under how it can contributed to
modern day literature. Existential writer’s focus on one theme: a stress on
individual existence and, consequently, on subjectivity, individuality freedom,
and choice.
Albert Camus
T. S. Eliot
Franz Kafka
Existentialism (cont.)
Some of the most common characteristics of existentialism are:
● Preoccupation with human existence
● Absurdity of existence
● Limitations of reason
● Interest in dramatic and tragic aspects of life
● Interest in various forms of consciousness
● Literary analysis of self-deception
● Themes of anxiety, guilt, and solitude
● Anguish as a universal element of life
● Unpredictable and perversely self-destructive characters
● Individuals bear responsibility for their actions
● Existence cannot be fully understood through empirical effort
● There is no common standard of perception for religious and ethical matters
(Existentialism, 2008).
● symbolism
● expressionism
● existentialism
● realism
● alliteration
● adventurism
● character
● theme/plot
● setting
● antagonist
● protagonist
● archetypal theory
● divine right
● scansion
● stream of consciousness
● theater of the absurd
● affinity and the alter ego
American Literature Key Terms & Concepts -- When reading and/or writing
literature, there are a few key terms and concepts that one should be familiar in
order to better understand what they are reading and/or writing.
Stephen Crane (1897-1900) is
considered to be one of the most
famous American realist writers of the
19th century. His ability to create his
characters and plots in a manner that
portrays everyday occurrences was
amazing. Being able to create stories
that continued to have the audience
guessing as to whether it is fictional
or not can be found in such stories as
The Red Badge of Courage and The
Open Boat. Stephen Crane
photo courtesy of
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:StephenCrane1988.jpg.
Stephen Crane
Born in 1913, Camus is a great
existential writer, whose work
was greatly associated with the
philosophy of the absurd. He
believed that it is impossible to
make rational sense of one’s
experience, and that human
life is made meaningless by
mortality. His story, The Stranger, is a
prime example of his existential
beliefs. This story became the
quintessential work of fiction of the
20th century on the theme of an alien-
ated outsiders. “The heart
within me I can feel, and I
judge that it exists. This
world I can touch, and I like-
wise judge that it exists.
There ends all knowledge
and the rest is
construction” ~ Albert Camus
For more resources click here.
Albert Camus
https://www.flickr.com/photos/30591976@N05/5
763080976/
T.
S.
E
L
I
O
Thttp://images.google.com/hosted/life/c748bbc1e
59bd15b.html.
Thomas Stearns Eliot was born in 1888. He
s a Harvard University graduate who would
go abroad to live and eventually become a
great writer under the guidance of the ever
so famous, contemporary writer Ezra
Pound. T. S. Eliot is an existential writer
who was greatly influenced by the Victorian
era. Eliot is not only a great novelist, but he
is also widely accepted for his poetic
abilities. T. S. Eliot’s contribution of
publications like The Wasteland, have been
considered by many to be “a leading poet
of the avantgarde and the single more
influential poetic work of the 20th century.
The Wasteland is a very detailed tale of
human existence after a war, in a manner
that calls for humans to change their
thinking in order to survive. Please visit
Eliot here!
Franz Kafka
Franz Kafka was born July 3, 1883, in the city of Prague, which is now the
capital of Czechoslovakia. Kafka is most undoubtedly one of the most
influential and existential writer’s of the 20th century. His most famous work,
The Metamorphosis, is a short story that very closely parallels his own life’s
events. It is a story that reflects the psychic tensions occasioned by Kafka’s
relationship with Felice Bauer, his fiance, and his own father. Kafka was an
outcast from his German community, leaving him with feelings of isolation and
social tension, and questioning his reason for being. This is reflected in his
writing. For example, the main character Gregor, who is quiet and passive and
constantly wishes to simply disappear from his miserable mundane existence,
is very similar to that of Kafka’s own idea of himself. The personal relationship
with his father, or what he felt his life was truly like is depicted in this story.
More information about this story and the personal parallel to Kafka’s own life
can be found here !
Summary
Realism is fiction that copies or reflects real-life characters and events. This
type of writing became popular in the early 19th century. Existentialism is fiction
that focuses on one’s purpose in life; or the meaning for one’s existence. This
type of writing became popular in the late 19th, early 20th century. Famous
authors such as Stephen Crane, Albert Camus, Franz Kafka, & T. S. Eliot are
great examples of realist and existentialist writers.
ReferencesAdams, E. (2011). Literature magic realism lesson. [Youtube video]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHaIJxAQqJw.
Eiermann, K. (2011). The realm of existentialism. Dividing Line.com Retrieved from
http://www.dividingline.com/private/Philosophy/Philosophers/Dostoy/dostoy.shtml.
Existentialism. (2008). Writer’s history -- Literature portal. Retrieved from
http://writershistory.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=4&id=16&Itemid=29.
Realism. (2008). Writer’s history -- Literature portal. Retrieved from
http://writershistory.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=4&id=30&Itemid=43.
Rogers, B. H. (2002). What is magic realism, really? Speculations. Retrieved from http://www.writing-
world.com/sf/realism.shtml.
Stephen Crane. (2014). The biography.com website. Retrieved from http://www.biography.com/people/stephen-crane-
9260647.
Toutonghi, P. (2010). Fyodor Dostoevsky- Biography. Retrieved from http://fyodordostoevsky.com/biography.php.
Kafka, Eliot, Crane &
CamusThe Age of Realism & Existentialism in
American Literature
Realism
A form of literary writing that surfaced in North America during the early
nineteenth century. Realism is a literary movement that primarily involves
realistic ideals in literature. It surfaced in literature when author Friedrich
Schiller, a frenchman, first used the term to describe literature that “attempts to
describe life without the idealization and romantic subjectivity” but simply life as
it is. The poems, short stories, and novels written in a manner that could be
considered real. A very famous writer of realist fiction is Stephen Crane.
Realism (cont.)
Some of the most common characteristics of realism are:
● faithful representation of life
● concentrating on middle-class life and preoccupations
● scenes of humble life
● criticism of social conditions
● characters are in center of interest as opposed to a plot
● subjects portrayed with simplicity and respect but little elaboration
● honest, matter-of-fact style
● Objects or figures are represented impartially and objectively (Realism,
2008)
First came into the literary framework
by Venezuelan writer Arturo Uslar-
Pietri. Magic realism is characterised
as being marked by its “inventive
content, vivid effects, amazing mystery
and combining fantastic elements with
realistic details” (Adams, 2011). Magic
realism has always been a serious form
of literary writing despite its use of
fantasy, and it has made a great impact
on literature. Franz Kafka is one of the
great writer’s who has explored with
this type of writing.
Magic Realism
Existentialism
“I think therefore I am.” ~ Rene Descartes
Existential fiction was first introduced into literature by a Russian novelist,
Fyodor Dostoevsky. Dostoevsky lived his life just as he believed -- that there is
a “profound psychological penetration that permeates into the human soul”
(Toutonghi, 2010). He felt that man faces “rationalism versus irrationalism; the
struggle between love and hatred, faith and unfaith; the danger’s represented
by socialism and the attempt to engineer human happiness; the power of
sensuality; the reality and unreality of God; and the conflict between
generations” (Eiermann, 2011). Existentialism is a thought of being more than
what see with our naked eye. Existential philosophers and writers believe that
man centers his existence around finding one’s own purpose in life, to grow.
They believe that there is more to life than simply existing. And even more so
than finding higher purpose in life, but a higher purpose in growing and living
and thriving within that purpose. Existential fiction focuses on this concept.
While there is no exact definition of existentialism, it is important to know how it
began and the ideals that surround it in order to under how it can contributed to
modern day literature. Existential writer’s focus on one theme: a stress on
individual existence and, consequently, on subjectivity, individuality freedom,
and choice.
Albert Camus
T. S. Eliot
Franz Kafka
Existentialism (cont.)
Some of the most common characteristics of existentialism are:
● Preoccupation with human existence
● Absurdity of existence
● Limitations of reason
● Interest in dramatic and tragic aspects of life
● Interest in various forms of consciousness
● Literary analysis of self-deception
● Themes of anxiety, guilt, and solitude
● Anguish as a universal element of life
● Unpredictable and perversely self-destructive characters
● Individuals bear responsibility for their actions
● Existence cannot be fully understood through empirical effort
● There is no common standard of perception for religious and ethical matters
(Existentialism, 2008).
● symbolism
● expressionism
● existentialism
● realism
● alliteration
● adventurism
● character
● theme/plot
● setting
● antagonist
● protagonist
● archetypal theory
● divine right
● scansion
● stream of consciousness
● theater of the absurd
● affinity and the alter ego
American Literature Key Terms & Concepts -- When reading and/or writing
literature, there are a few key terms and concepts that one should be familiar in
order to better understand what they are reading and/or writing.
Stephen Crane (1897-1900) is
considered to be one of the most
famous American realist writers of the
19th century. His ability to create his
characters and plots in a manner that
portrays everyday occurrences was
amazing. Being able to create stories
that continued to have the audience
guessing as to whether it is fictional
or not can be found in such stories as
The Red Badge of Courage and The
Open Boat. Stephen Crane
photo courtesy of
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:StephenCrane1988.jpg.
Stephen Crane
Born in 1913, Camus is a great
existential writer, whose work
was greatly associated with the
philosophy of the absurd. He
believed that it is impossible to
make rational sense of one’s
experience, and that human
life is made meaningless by
mortality. His story, The Stranger, is a
prime example of his existential
beliefs. This story became the
quintessential work of fiction of the
20th century on the theme of an alien-
ated outsiders. “The heart
within me I can feel, and I
judge that it exists. This
world I can touch, and I like-
wise judge that it exists.
There ends all knowledge
and the rest is
construction” ~ Albert Camus
For more resources click here.
Albert Camus
https://www.flickr.com/photos/30591976@N05/5
763080976/
T.
S.
E
L
I
O
Thttp://images.google.com/hosted/life/c748bbc1e
59bd15b.html.
Thomas Stearns Eliot was born in 1888. He
s a Harvard University graduate who would
go abroad to live and eventually become a
great writer under the guidance of the ever
so famous, contemporary writer Ezra
Pound. T. S. Eliot is an existential writer
who was greatly influenced by the Victorian
era. Eliot is not only a great novelist, but he
is also widely accepted for his poetic
abilities. T. S. Eliot’s contribution of
publications like The Wasteland, have been
considered by many to be “a leading poet
of the avantgarde and the single more
influential poetic work of the 20th century.
The Wasteland is a very detailed tale of
human existence after a war, in a manner
that calls for humans to change their
thinking in order to survive. Please visit
Eliot here!
Franz Kafka
Franz Kafka was born July 3, 1883, in the city of Prague, which is now the
capital of Czechoslovakia. Kafka is most undoubtedly one of the most
influential and existential writer’s of the 20th century. His most famous work,
The Metamorphosis, is a short story that very closely parallels his own life’s
events. It is a story that reflects the psychic tensions occasioned by Kafka’s
relationship with Felice Bauer, his fiance, and his own father. Kafka was an
outcast from his German community, leaving him with feelings of isolation and
social tension, and questioning his reason for being. This is reflected in his
writing. For example, the main character Gregor, who is quiet and passive and
constantly wishes to simply disappear from his miserable mundane existence,
is very similar to that of Kafka’s own idea of himself. The personal relationship
with his father, or what he felt his life was truly like is depicted in this story.
More information about this story and the personal parallel to Kafka’s own life
can be found here !
Summary
Realism is fiction that copies or reflects real-life characters and events. This
type of writing became popular in the early 19th century. Existentialism is fiction
that focuses on one’s purpose in life; or the meaning for one’s existence. This
type of writing became popular in the late 19th, early 20th century. Famous
authors such as Stephen Crane, Albert Camus, Franz Kafka, & T. S. Eliot are
great examples of realist and existentialist writers.
ReferencesAdams, E. (2011). Literature magic realism lesson. [Youtube video]. Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHaIJxAQqJw.
Eiermann, K. (2011). The realm of existentialism. Dividing Line.com Retrieved from
http://www.dividingline.com/private/Philosophy/Philosophers/Dostoy/dostoy.shtml.
Existentialism. (2008). Writer’s history -- Literature portal. Retrieved from
http://writershistory.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=4&id=16&Itemid=29.
Realism. (2008). Writer’s history -- Literature portal. Retrieved from
http://writershistory.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category§ionid=4&id=30&Itemid=43.
Rogers, B. H. (2002). What is magic realism, really? Speculations. Retrieved from http://www.writing-
world.com/sf/realism.shtml.
Stephen Crane. (2014). The biography.com website. Retrieved from http://www.biography.com/people/stephen-crane-
9260647.
Toutonghi, P. (2010). Fyodor Dostoevsky- Biography. Retrieved from http://fyodordostoevsky.com/biography.php.
